Blog

Topic: Public Relations

Oct26

Not creative? Try asking better questions.
by Casey Baksa in Advertising, Branding, Public Relations, Social Media 0 comments

It's a common practice in life, and particularly in business, to anoint a specific group of people "the creative ones." Searching for a clever idea? Ask the creative ones. In need of a snappy paragraph? Have a creative person write it.

While there's no doubt some of us simply have a knack for thinking outside of the box, the long-held presumption that only certain individuals are capable of churning out Grade A ideas is one that should be put to rest. Just because you don't wear skinny jeans, listen to indie rock or go to gallery openings doesn't mean you lack the capacity for... read on
Oct12

Going Old School with Local News
by Brittany Yancey in Public Relations 0 comments

Local news has gotten a bad rap.

There’s no denying smartphones and social media are a part of our daily lives. Who has time to wait for the news to be printed tomorrow morning when you can see a live update in .5 seconds?

Really, I thought my workday would come to a screeching halt when Apple introduced the new iPhone 4S last week.

But ironically, a new study has shown that many of us still go “old school” and rely on local news stations as our go-to source for breaking news, weather, traffic and politics.

The “how people learn about their local community” study by the Pew Internet... read on
Aug12

Going International? Austin Powers Is Not Your Guide.
by Maggie Hames in Advertising, Business, Design, Interactive Services, Public Relations 0 comments
Over the course of 2011, TrendyMinds has been fortunate enough to work with several clients on an international level. Whether they’re new to the market or old-timers on the scene, international audiences require a different approach and a decent amount of research.

To avoid a cross-cultural blunder and embarrassment for both agency and client, be sure to cover all the bases. Just because characters in the movie Austin Powers use the term “randy” on a regular basis, doesn’t mean it’s appropriate in the UK.

Here are some things to consider when launching an international campaign:
1. ... read on
Jun08

Time for Weiner to Wave the White Flag
by Justin Ohlemiller in Public and Governmental Affairs, Public Relations 0 comments

As a professional PR consultant, it’s in my blood to believe there are few (if any) situations that can’t be managed effectively through communications strategy. So as I watched the Anthony Weiner debacle this week, I asked myself “Can he survive this scandal? And if so, how?”

In a CBSnews.com post, Political Analyst John Dickerson argued that Weiner can recover from this mess, but he has to “go away . . . stop being a distraction” and “stop being a punch line.”

My question for Mr. Dickerson: Have you ever seen Anthony Weiner at work (and I don’t mean in that way)?!

Weiner has never... read on
May25

Live Your Best Life – Even After Oprah
by Maggie Hames in Public Relations 3 comments

For the last 25 years, PR pros have been taunted by the ultimate publicity dream: landing their client on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Whether she captured your target audience or not, the power of such a placement was undeniable.

If your client wrote a book, a spot in “Oprah’s Book Club” made them an instant bestseller. Any product that became one of “Oprah’s Favorite Things” was guaranteed to sell. And a worthy cause that caught Oprah’s eye had their needs met. She launched the careers of many, including Dr. Phil, Dr. Oz, designer Nate Berkus and her personal trainer, Bob Green. For... read on
Apr07

Thanks for the Opportunity!
by Maggie Hames in Business, Public Relations, Social Media 4 comments

It’s been awhile since I’ve had the pleasure of attending an Indy Social Media Breakfast (@IndySM), a monthly networking and social media discussion open to all who are interested. We’ve had a whirlwind couple of months!

But this morning’s talk with Jay Baer (@JayBaer) was one I’m especially glad I was in attendance for. Not only was it great to see some of my favorite peers in the industry, but I was also able to participate in a thought-provoking conversation about the current state of social media – with some of the people who know it best.

Jay gave a captivating presentation about... read on
Mar25

Keep it real—bag the stiff in the suit
by Justin Ohlemiller in Public and Governmental Affairs, Public Relations 0 comments

It’s one of the most common scenes in the world of public affairs. A new policy or idea is being touted, so the public official or government agency turns to their not-so-secret weapon . . . some PR stiff in a suit.

How do I know this? Because I was that PR stiff.

In my previous career as a spokesperson for a mayor and a member of Congress, I was trotted out on literally hundreds of occasions to sell policy positions or pump up accomplishments of the office.

Every agency, public office or company has to have the ability to effectively explain decisions and policies to a broader... read on
Jan10

Lucky Number 13
by Maggie Hames in Miscellaneous, Public Relations, Social Media 0 comments

Triskaidekaphobia - the fear of the number thirteen.

Lucky for me, I don’t have such a ridiculous phobia. While some might fear the number, I’ve embraced it. Last month I became the thirteenth member of the TrendyMinds team, and so far I have only positive news to report.

It’s no secret that the TrendyMinds team is growing fast. With three new hires in the last month, we are literally busting at the seams. Growing so fast, that our beloved blue building on the corner of 25th and Delaware has become a tight fit (we might be doing a little real estate shopping on the side… more on that... read on